Hydrogen Conference in Issy-les-Moulineaux

France has set itself the goal of becoming a leader in renewable or low-carbon hydrogen in order to massively decarbonize its economy and regain its technological and energy sovereignty. Today, the use of hydrogen for energy is often portrayed as beneficial because it can be stored relatively easily and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions when used.

But what is the reality? How are local governments dealing with this new energy challenge? How can questions about the safety or actual environmental impact of hydrogen be answered? What are the short and medium term perspectives in different sectors such as mobility and housing?

The Hydrogen Conference in sharing best practices and reflecting on hydrogen in the city provided answers to these questions. The conference was held with representatives of the European project FCCP (Fuel Cell Cargo Pedelecs), co-funded by Interreg North West Europe, and a delegation from the City of Aberdeen. Simultaneous French-English translation was provided.

Program

9h00 – Coffee reception

9h30 - Round table: How can hydrogen contribute to the climate transition?

With 470 billions engaged by the European Commission and ambitious plans at State level, hydrogen is today considered as a strong pillar for the energy transition. This technology raises hopes and fears. It is today a complex (we speak about different hydrogen forms, grey, blue, green) and regularly questioned technology particularly about fabrication costs and security.

• Véronique CHARBEAUX – Project Leader Energy Transition - The hydrogen strategy of the Ile-de-France Region.
• Thomas HEMMERDINGER, Project Manager Energy transition and circular economy, Agence régionale Énergie-climat (AREC). Overview of the regional momentum.
• Gilles HAON, Regional Delegate Ile-de-France at France Hydrogen and Director hydrogen projects at ENGIE Cofely France - How to mobilise the ecosystem around uses?
• Benoit CALATAYUD, Director of Energy Transition at Capgemini Invent

10h15 - Round table: How can hydrogen acelerate the decarbonation of mobility?

Complementary to the battery, Hydrogen allows to answer immediate needs to decarbonize the transport sector. If we see the first cars on the road, it is in the field of heavy mobility, particularly utility vehicles, busses and trucks (dump truck and freight transport) that this energy form is emerging. Hydorgen offers a greater autonomy with a fast refilling process. It can also play a role as an alternative to diesel on non-electrified rails. This technology will also be integrated on board of vessels from the river barge to the ocean liner.

• Philippe LUCAS, General Director of B.E. GREEN. Hydrogen for busses.
• Aurélie JOURNET, founder of the « Grand Paris Durable » platform and Olivier HAUTIN, Commercial Director of Pragma mobility. Hydrogen for urban logistic, the example of fuel cell bikes in Paris Saclay.
• A representative of the FCCP Project – The European Interreg « Fuel Cell Cargo Pedelec » (FCCP) research project to develop the fuel cell cargo bikes in the city. • A representative of the Aberdeen City Council (United Kingdom), the most advanced european city on hydrogen.
• Alain THEBAULT, President of The Jet, a "flying ship with hydrogen propulsion"

11h15 – Round table: How to deploy hydrogen for residential purposes?

Highlighted to decarbonize the mobility and industrial sectors, hydrogen is not really in use for residential purposes, whether it is in a direct use in the building or even for the storage of the excess of electrical energy. And yet the potentialities are here. Hydrogen can allow energy storage as well as ensure the delivery of electricity and heat, contribute to the development of positive energy buildings and building units and to the smart grid.

• Bertrand PETIT, President of the think tank Innocherche. Feedbacks
• Eric MAZOYER, President of EMMI. The HydroSeine project.
• A representative of the Eurowatt group.
• Jean-Michel AMARÉ, President of Atawey

12h15 – Conclusion of the discussions by André SANTINI, Former Minister, Mayor of Issy-les-Moulineaux and Vice-President of Greater Paris.